Start a small riding and trekking centre

Holidaymakers, local families, birthday parties, school groups and keen adult riders.

Price per rider for each ride, usually by length (for example one hour or a half day). Extra income can come from lessons, private hire, gift vouchers and children's pony days.

• Confident, experienced horse handling
• Good judgement about rider ability and safety
• Friendly customer service
• Booking and yard organisation

• A council licence is likely to be needed to hire out horses, so check the rules and inspection process for your area before buying horses
• Public liability and other specialist insurance for riding businesses, including cover for staff and customers
• Horses cost money every day of the year, but income is seasonal and weather-dependent
• Rider and horse safety, including hard hats, rider weight limits and suitable horses for beginners
• Check access rights on bridleways and any permission needed from landowners

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £15,000 to £70,000, depending on your yard, number of horses and equipment. Horses cost money every day of the year, while income is seasonal and weather-dependent, so plan your cash flow carefully.

A council licence is likely to be needed to hire out horses, so check the rules and inspection process for your area before buying horses. Also check specialist insurance for riding businesses, and access rights and landowner permission for bridleways.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £3,000 to £14,000, depending on the season, how many rides you run and the weather. Expect to work at least around 35 hours a week, and remember horse costs continue all year.